CNSA > Four Tracks
Community Counseling
This emphasis prepares persons to provide counseling assistance in a variety of settings in the community including social service agencies; community mental health sites; centers dealing with families, rape and abuse, and crises; chemical dependency programs; as well as other areas. Counseling theories and skills are emphasized, a practicum is completed on campus, and the internship experience is in the appropriate community setting.
School Counseling
This emphasis leads to Minnesota licensure for K-12 school counseling. For North Dakota state certification for K-12 school counseling, only individuals with teaching experience can be accommodated, because to be certified as a counselor you need to have a teaching certificate and to have taught for one year. For Minnesota there is no teaching experience or teaching certification requirement. For other states, consult the individual state’s Department of Education for certification and/or licensure information. This emphasis includes practicum and internship experiences in the elementary, middle, and high schools.
College Counseling
With this emphasis, you will be prepared to work in college counseling centers or college career counseling centers. Your course work will emphasize the development of college students and issues and concerns that are unique to this population. For students completing the College Counseling emphasis, a counseling practicum, and an internship experience in a college counseling center are necessary.
Student Affairs
With this emphasis, you will be prepared to work in student affairs positions in higher education, including admissions, career planning, financial aid, housing, orientation, programming, and student union and activities. Your course work will emphasize the development of college students, and you will do your practicum/internship in a college or university location.